#PatinsIcam Archive

A weekly half hour chat focused on improving access to education for PK-12 students through the use of Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Assistive Technology (AT).

Tuesday October 23, 2018
8:30 PM EDT

  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Hello and welcome to our #PatinsIcam Twitter chat! I’m Rachel Herron moderating for the PATINS Project tonight
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Tonight we will be discussing special educator burn out and what to do to help/prevent it! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    As always, PGP certificate link will be tweeted at the end #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM EDT
    Don’t forget use the hashtag #PatinsIcam in each tweet and start your answer w/ A1, A2, etc.
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    Before we start, please introduce yourself and state one way you relaxed or did something good for yourself today! #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    Right now! #PatinsIcam
    • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:30 PM EDT
      Tonight we will be discussing special educator burn out and what to do to help/prevent it! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    Hi Everyone! I am Rachel Herron! I specialize in AEM, AT Apple Accessibility and Emotional Disabilities! I am pleased to be moderating for the PATINS Project chat tonight! Today I took 15 minutes to unplug and snuggle with my kiddo #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:31 PM EDT
    I am Julie Kuhn, PATINS Specialist for Orthopedic Access to the Curriculum, AAC, AT Team Development. #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Good Evening! Daniel's here! ...former A.T. Coordinator, SpEd Teacher, Behavior Therapist, Parapro... current Director of @PATINSPROJECT. Ready for a topic that's near & dear to me! #PatinsIcam
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Sandi Smith here, PATINS Specialist. #PatinsIcam
  • katietaylorIN Oct 23 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Hi There! Katie is here! Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Primary Transition Specialist with PATINS Project!! *raises hand to ever feeling the teacher burnout* Love spending 10 minutes in the hammock in my backyard at the end of the day #patinsicam
  • jconradslp Oct 23 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Hi, Jessica, SLP + PATINS Specialist, I've been majorly burned but turned it around and now I'm on FIRE. Spent some time today surrounding myself with other positive educators #PatinsIcam #BadPuns
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:32 PM EDT
    Oh my gosh that sounds wonderful! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @katietaylorIN
  • BevSharritt Oct 23 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Hi everyone, I'm Bev Sharritt, Patins specialist for BLV and transition in the IEP. I stared at some beautiful red trees in a parking lot today #PatinsIcam
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Today I sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    They are def. starting to turn! Hooray! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @BevSharritt
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    #Finallyfall #PatinsIcam
    • BevSharritt Oct 23 @ 8:33 PM EDT
      Hi everyone, I'm Bev Sharritt, Patins specialist for BLV and transition in the IEP. I stared at some beautiful red trees in a parking lot today #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    So glad you are soaking in the DEC! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconradslp
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:33 PM EDT
    Get ready for some fast paced fun and discussion! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Q1: What are some challenges that Special Education Teachers face that may correlate to 75 percent leaving their job in the first 10 years? #PatinsIcam
  • jconti281 Oct 23 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    Hellooooo Jen Conti Data & Outreach. I painted future my office/yoga room & currently allowing myself to have Chex Mix+San Pellegrino for dinner #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    It was so lovely out there! glad you had some ME time :) #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @PATINSSandi
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    I am heading over! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconti281
  • BevSharritt Oct 23 @ 8:34 PM EDT
    ooh! What color? #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconti281
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    A1: The feeling that with so much to do and so few .hands to do it, they are letting down the students and doing a poor job. #PatinsIcam
  • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    Screeching in! Martha Hammond, DRM Services Specialist from the ICAM. Tearing myself from the finale of the Great American Read on PBS!!#patinsicam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    I hear this all of the time. Ts want to do new things but WHEN? #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @PATINSSandi
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:35 PM EDT
    A1: I think one challenge is that what looks, feels, sounds great in research, doesn't always translate to real-classroom implementation easily! #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A1: A1: So many duties that get in the way of actually working with students. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Welcome Martha!! #PatinsICam
    In reply to @mwhammond1
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Absolutely true! #PatinsICam
    In reply to @JulieHKuhn
  • katietaylorIN Oct 23 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A1: some may feel that there is more paperwork than working with students #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • BevSharritt Oct 23 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A1: many are overwhelmed by rapid change #PatinsIcam
  • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    A1: So much "other" work that you feel like time to spend teaching children is forgotten by everyone but you.#patinsicam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:36 PM EDT
    Q2: What things can keep Special Education Teacher’s passion ignited and coming back year after year?#PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    How is the real question. when is always a factor. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872, @PATINSSandi
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A1: "Terrifically passionate people make wonderfully significant and impactful decisions, all the time, every single day. ...are usually deeply emotionally invested in all that they choose to do. ...might be considered “all or nothing” kinds of people...exhausting" #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:37 PM EDT
    A1: I feel like Ts feel pulled in so many directions...are so concerned about testing and other issues that effect the day to day. Lots of stress out there! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    A2: I always felt recharged and excited after a really good PD. Sometimes they made me feel overwhelmed because I wanted to do SO much...but they gave me passion back! #PatinsIcam
  • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    A2: Love that teachers are including yoga & meditation as calming activities for students, excellent opportunity for T to partake and let it go for a moment #patinsicam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    Passion is a double edged sword. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @danielgmcnulty
  • jconti281 Oct 23 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    A1: feeling like they need to be a data collecting, intervention implementing, report writing machine #PatinsIcam
  • BevSharritt Oct 23 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    A2: finding a good support group in their school -- mentors and positive peers #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:39 PM EDT
    Q3: How and why is it important for Special Educators to develop a personal learning network and supports? #PatinsIcam
  • jconti281 Oct 23 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A2: support from admin to be creative and take time to learn more #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A1: the K-12 education world at times seems to seek to normalize Ss and Ts. Placing them into nicely pkgd little boxes w/a label on top, and a set of strict policies, which can asphyxiate creativity. #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    A2: A2:Those little faces! The future. Recognition of the job being done. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:40 PM EDT
    Administrative support is one of my top job satisfaction and stress reducers, I have found. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconti281
  • katietaylorIN Oct 23 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    A2: finding their tribe of support! creating a "sticky environment" of like minded teachers #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • katietaylorIN Oct 23 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    Recognition is HUGE for me! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @JulieHKuhn
  • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:41 PM EDT
    A3; Those professional spilling into personal supports can keep a T from just walking out/not returning/driving home in tears daily.#Patinsicam
  • jconradslp Oct 23 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    Prioritize. Decide what's really going to make a big difference for kids or are a true mandate, and do those things. Everything else doesn't matter, take that energy and move it into something that makes you sparkle #PatinsIcam
    • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:36 PM EDT
      Q2: What things can keep Special Education Teacher’s passion ignited and coming back year after year?#PatinsIcam
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    A3: It is important to find like minded souls, BUT it is not good when it turns into a gripefest. When stating problems listen for solutions. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    I completely agree with this too! So many of my best friends are from different chapters of my teaching career...all important and part of that sacred bond of those "in it together." #Patinsicam
    In reply to @katietaylorIN
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:42 PM EDT
    A3:This helps with the silo issue of Ts feeling alone or working in a one room school house. Like minds and networking are so important. #PatinsIcam
  • jconti281 Oct 23 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Q3: very important! You need someone who faces the same struggles as you, not to complain with, but to brainstorm with and "steal" ideas from and know that you're not the only one having feelings of inadequacy from time to time #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    A2: Having colleagues to bounce ideas and experiences off of can allow Ts to celebrate the outliers! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Super fair! #Patinsicam Griping without action can suck you down the rabbit hole!
    In reply to @PATINSSandi
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:43 PM EDT
    Q4: How and where can SpEd Ts begin to develop their own personal learning network and supports? #PatinsIcam
  • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    A3: Absolutely. At one school I stopped lunching with the teachers because they were so hard on the students. The exchange has to be positive and result-seeking.#patinsicam
    In reply to @PATINSSandi
  • katietaylorIN Oct 23 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    A3: I love the quote that goes something like "be the tide that rises all ships" We all need support, we all need to continue to learn from peers... When I hear that someone has a work family you know they are in the right place! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    A4: Trick question again! PATINS of course! #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:44 PM EDT
    A4: ...on TWITTER!!! At the PATINS Access to Education Conference coming up! https://t.co/p5UTfRFd1r #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A4: I felt like my interest in AT opened doors of refreshment to me and created a support network of friends. That niche made all of the difference when I was started to get burnt out int he classroom #Patinsicam
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    Me too! #PatinsIcam
    • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:44 PM EDT
      A3: Absolutely. At one school I stopped lunching with the teachers because they were so hard on the students. The exchange has to be positive and result-seeking.#patinsicam
      In reply to @PATINSSandi
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    Love this! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @katietaylorIN
  • katietaylorIN Oct 23 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A4: fb groups, conferences... dont be afraid to ask others for help! if you are thinking it or wondering something, someone else is too! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    A4:Among like-minded peers. If someone is as excited about something as you are, you can conquer the world! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:45 PM EDT
    Can't fool you Sand-i! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @PATINSSandi
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    I agree... same was true for me, and I'm more than happy to share my #Co:Writer story anytime! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • jconradslp Oct 23 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    A3: I will never not share this, surround yourself with marigolds, the enriching colleagues, and don't put yourself with the walnut trees on staff. Not worth your energy #PatinsIcam https://t.co/6uoVDVaF6z
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:46 PM EDT
    I'm good like that. #PatinsIcam
  • jconti281 Oct 23 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    A4: social media. Find those like minded educators on FB, Twitter, Instagram, etc. There is someone out there that you know you vibe with even through the internet #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    I love the walnut wood for making things. When worked with, it is rich, deep, beautiful and strong. #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconradslp
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:47 PM EDT
    I remember doing some work in a teachers lounge (in another state) and hearing the stressful, sad or angry words that were part of the "downtime." I left feeling so defeated for them...and so depressed. They needed a spa in the lounge...I wish their principal knew! #PatinsIcam
    • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:45 PM EDT
      Me too! #PatinsIcam
      • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:44 PM EDT
        A3: Absolutely. At one school I stopped lunching with the teachers because they were so hard on the students. The exchange has to be positive and result-seeking.#patinsicam
        In reply to @PATINSSandi
  • jconti281 Oct 23 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    A4: attend Access to Education 2018 Nov 28 & 29th to mix and mingle with passionate educators! #PatinsIcam
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    I love #cultofpedagogy It is a great place to find solutions and super ideas #PatinsIcam
    • jconradslp Oct 23 @ 8:46 PM EDT
      A3: I will never not share this, surround yourself with marigolds, the enriching colleagues, and don't put yourself with the walnut trees on staff. Not worth your energy #PatinsIcam https://t.co/6uoVDVaF6z
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    Q5: There are many emotional components of teaching SpEd, what are some ways to manage stress and emotions for yourself as a teacher? #PatinsIcam
  • jconradslp Oct 23 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    I mean, chop it down and make stuff, but don't plant walnut trees where you want things to grow and flourish, walnut trees poison the ground and walnut tree staff poison creativity and joy in teaching #PatinsIcam
    • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:47 PM EDT
      I love the walnut wood for making things. When worked with, it is rich, deep, beautiful and strong. #PatinsIcam
      In reply to @jconradslp
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    Gaining skill can promptly fuel both creativity and determination! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:48 PM EDT
    Great resource! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    Share it now! #PatinsIcam
    • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:46 PM EDT
      I agree... same was true for me, and I'm more than happy to share my #Co:Writer story anytime! #PatinsIcam
      In reply to @RachelH872
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:49 PM EDT
    I actually quit a job once because a particular person I worked closely with drained the life out of me. I felt like a wilted flower. I later (18 months) came back to the position recharged and ready to go with new confidence and a fresh perspective. #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    A5: Research has shown that something as simple as watching kitten videos can cause a rush of dopamine to the brain! Peek-A-Boo Cat is another quick place to start! https://t.co/vEjPiW6MfP #PatinsIcam
  • BevSharritt Oct 23 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    See a good counselor from time to time. Other self care like a massage or regular exercise. #PatinsIcam
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    A5: Success breeds happiness. "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Try something new and if it works, share it! #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:50 PM EDT
    That is incredible. Our gain for sure! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @JulieHKuhn
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    Q6: SpEd T can't do it all alone. Paraprofessionals are an integral part of support. What and how can Ts delegate the workload? #PatinsIcam
  • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    Oh my! That make everything better right now!#patinsicam!
    In reply to @danielgmcnulty
  • katietaylorIN Oct 23 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    A5: Find "me time" and schedule it in. Lunch breaks, recess break, afterschool, before school - dont skip out on a Me-time break, get in your car and turn Taylor Swift all the way up and get an Unsweetened Iced Tea for you! yoga before work to start your day off right #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    A5: Focusing on the perceived misfortunes of the day is easy to do and most certainly punches determination right in the guts, but deliberately turning attn to FIVE specific things that went right that day can happen quickly and certainly can fortify determination! #PatinsIcam
  • mwhammond1 Oct 23 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    A6: Parapros must be kept up to speed on goals, tools, processes. They do not know all the T knows, so we include and inform and require. Lots of positive reinforcement for each one. They are willing if they feel appreciated #patinsicam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    A5: I try to take time for myself in things I enjoy. I need to learn to take a lunch. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:51 PM EDT
    Oh I can't take this. #PatinsIcam #toocuteforwords
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    Dog of wisdom https://t.co/SxgzDyLyWP #PatinsIcam
  • jconradslp Oct 23 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A3: teachers should also take time for self care, as they are trying to provide trauma informed care to their students #PatinsIcam https://t.co/oBoz4H25Au
  • BevSharritt Oct 23 @ 8:52 PM EDT
    A5: This video made me laugh so hard! Learning to Knit! https://t.co/2q5JSL8Ubt via @YouTube #PatinsIcam
  • jconti281 Oct 23 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    A5: giving myself permission to FEEL after exciting, stressful, heartbreaking, or heartwarming moments #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:53 PM EDT
    A5: Breathing with purpose, talking to my friends, sitting without noise and screens for a minute, Having "the Rachel" at Roscoes with @jconradslp #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    A6: I think having a clear perspective and agreement on who does what. No assumptions. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    Q7: What else has worked for you or what suggestions do u have to prevent burnout? #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:54 PM EDT
    Yes! It's ALWAYS ok to feel those things AND feelings are ALWAYS valid! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconti281
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    If this made you laugh, Bev, I am ALL in to watch it! #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:55 PM EDT
    A6: Celebrate the outliers. Administrators can encourage and prop-up Ts who substantiate creativity! Admin have incredible power to do this right in their hands every day! Calculated risks could be weighted with value on teacher observations and evaluations. #PatinsIcam
  • jconradslp Oct 23 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A6: most of us did not take classes on how to supervise (although it's starting to be mandated for some professionals) so taking time to evaluate yourself and learn how to do supervise more effectively can help a lot! #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:56 PM EDT
    A7: The biological reaction to a passion outside of the "job" motivates creativity and can allow the body and mind to refocus on the five things that went right that day, and fuels more passion! #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A7: Enlist the support of others. Understand it is ok to know what you know and ask others for their expertise. It's really not threatening. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A7: I think it is important to just take breaks. I frequently set a timer when I am working with a teacher after school because I value them. Even though they would stay ALL night to do good things for kids they also need a break, rest, family time...they DESERVE that #PatinsIcam
  • PATINSSandi Oct 23 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    A6: Be the administrator you've always wanted to have. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:57 PM EDT
    Excellent point! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @jconradslp
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    THIS! Oh Sandi...you summed it up so beautifully!! #PatinsIcam
  • JulieHKuhn Oct 23 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A7: It takes a village, after all. #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    Q8: Not only do we need to have high expectations for all Ss but also for OURSELVES as Ts AND Admin. What are some ways to support yourself in that? #PatinsIcam
  • danielgmcnulty Oct 23 @ 8:58 PM EDT
    A7: When "balanced," you are essentially standing at the fulcrum and moving nothing, changing nothing! Personally, I prefer the ideology of continual movement back and forth on the levers in one's world, creating movement. #PatinsIcam
  • jconradslp Oct 23 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    A7: change something. Rearrange the furniture, introduce a new theme or technique, something to get me into something new and fun and experiment makes me feel more in control. And the kids love it, and I love that, and then I love my job #PatinsIcam
  • RachelH872 Oct 23 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    and while you are at it...think about the last question: Q9: What advice would you give to new or upcoming SpEd teachers? #PatinsIcam
  • katietaylorIN Oct 23 @ 8:59 PM EDT
    hahaha! i love this! #PatinsIcam
    In reply to @RachelH872